I drove to Milwaukee to catch a Southwest flight to Houston. I was very uneasy about flying, traveling, being around so many other people but I felt I really needed to be in Houston to go to Uncle Harold’s funeral. Is it strange that my mom also died in July. 2005...fifteen years ago; doesn’t seem that long at all.
The Milwaukee airport was eeriest empty and quiet. I did notice that people were kind, friendly. Of course you could see smiles, but almost everyone displayed a cordial attitude. It was weird.
I saw lots of folks I hadn’t seen in forever. That part was good. It looks as if my ties with Houston are officially cut now. Uncle Harold and I had gotten closer over the years, certainly since my mom died. This is just so strange. There are only three of the cousins left now: Terry, Zackie and Darrel.
The service was fine. There were about fifty people Uncle Harold was 82. There had been more than 200 people at his 80th birthday party but with Covid, people are staying safe. The picture that was t the fron ws one that I had taken when Uncle harald and Charlsey came to Green Bay to celebrate with Justin and me at our reception July 4th in 2014. That made me smile. 
I got to spend a good bit of time with Hal and Shannon. Since they are my only two cousins, I guess that is important.
Charlsey was ready for a bit of cake!
Shannon's youngest daughter Lindsay might not have been in agreement with whatever Judy's sister Kathleen was professing.
Hal with his other cousin Andrew and his Aunt Kathleen.
At Hal’s prompt, Will was happy to show off rodeo buckles. Hal said he had won four buckles in his entire rodeo career. I sure do wish school was this important to Hal and Will. Hal is having a difficult time being a single parent and school was taking a back seat to rodeos even before covid.
Charlsy had three of her grandkids for the week and since no one can really go anywhere she had a huge water slide set up in the back yard. The kids really seemed to enjoy it. It certainly added to the surreal cars of the day to be in Houston for a funeral and having the kids outside playing on a water slide.
The best part of it all of course, was getting to see Dellene. She drove in to spend the time with me. We were staying in the La Quinta in Alvin and we talked well into the night. What a treat!!!
Back in Green Bay but I was at Hartung quarantining by myself. Justin and I met for meals and we were the recommended six feet apart for too many days after my return. Yes, I made sure at least I had Gemma with me.
Uncle Harold with Justin and me during our last visit October, 2019.
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